50 Days of Transformation - Recap

Are You (Being) Transformed?
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.  Romans 12:2

The verb tense of the word “transformed” is present PASSIVE imperative emphasizing the power of God to change us rather than our ability to change ourselves.

Too often we are challenged to change without being given the tools to make that happen.  “You ought, you should, you could” leads to guilt not change.

With all of our insight, why is it so hard to change?

·  Our habits control our lives. We shape our habits; then our habits shape us.

·  Retaking control of our lives is not just a battle against our wills but our nature, our culture and the Devil. Ephesians 4:22-24

·  Real Christianity realizes its humanity as well as its divinity.

·  The effect of grace is not merely a desire for obedience but a sense of Divine acceptance.

Paul’s Three Steps Plan for Spiritual Growth - Philippians 3:13-14

1. He accepts his weaknesses.  "I have not arrived"

2. He forgets the past.  "Forget what lies behind"

3. He moves forward.   "I press on"

God has promised to change us, not help us change ourselves. 

Five Requirements for Lasting Change

1. Accept the Truth.   John 8:32
2. Make Wise Choices.  Ephesians 5:15
3. Learn New Ways of Thinking.  Philippians 4:8
4. Seek Honest Community. Galatians 6:1-2
5. Discover God’s Spirit in Your Life. Galatians 5:16

The Loss of the Spirit  2 Kings 6:1-7

Analogy Explained:

·       Elisha - represents God

·       Axe handle - represents the church or believer

·       Forest - represents the problems of our lives; the world

·       Stick – Christian disciplines that invite God’s presence

·       Axe head - represents the Holy Spirit

How do you get an Axe head back?

·     Admit That You Lost It.

·     Admit That It Was Borrowed.

·     Go Back To Where You Lost It.

·     Trust God to Give It Back.

·     Reach Out and Grab It!